Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)

User Reviews

4.9

274 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    8 Kartoffelpuffer

  • Calories

    119 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    German

Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)

Kartoffelpuffer are traditional German potato pancakes made from raw, finely grated starchy potatoes and onion, combined with eggs, flour, and salt. The mixture is fried in oil until golden and crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside. These pancakes are typically served hot with sweet toppings like applesauce or powdered sugar, and can also be enjoyed savory with sour cream or meat dishes.

Description

Kartoffelpuffer rely on raw grated potatoes that are thoroughly drained to remove excess moisture, which ensures a crisp texture when fried. Combined with finely grated onion, eggs, flour, and sea salt, the mixture forms a slightly tacky batter that holds together during cooking. The pancakes are fried in neutral oil over medium-high heat, allowing the exterior to become golden and crisp within minutes while the interior stays soft.

This recipe results in classic potato pancakes with a balance of crisp edges and tender centers. The natural starchiness of potatoes provides structure and a mild flavor that complements both sweet and savory accompaniments.

Traditionally served immediately while hot, Kartoffelpuffer pairs well with applesauce or fruit compote for a sweet touch, or with herbed yogurt, quark, creme fraiche, or meats and gravy for a savory meal component.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 1/2 pounds potato RAW, not cooked, starchy, peeled, very finely grated
  • 1 onion small yellow, very finely grated
  • 2 large egg
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or more if needed
  • 1 teaspoon salt sea salt
  • neutral oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly wring out the liquid in the grated potatoes by placing them in a colander and squeezing them with your hands or by placing them in a clean dish towel and wringing out the liquid.  
  2. Place the drained grated potatoes in a medium-sized bowl with the grated onion, eggs, flour and salt and use your hands to work it into a tacky mixture.  Add a little more flour if needed.  Do no let the mixture sit for long before using it, use it immediately.
  3. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and place 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the mixture (depending on size preference) in the hot pan and flatten into pancakes with the back of a spoon.  Fry on both sides for 3-5 minutes until the Kartoffelpuffer are golden.  Place them briefly on paper towels.    
  4. Serve immediately while hot with applesauce, fruit compote or powdered sugar.  For a savory version serve with herbed yogurt, quark or creme fraiche or with meat and gravy as part of a meal.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 119kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 21g (7%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 4g (6%) Cholesterol 46mg (15%) Sodium 323mg (13%) Potassium 622mg (13%) Fiber 3g (12%) Vitamin A 70IU (1%) Vitamin C 17.2mg (19%) Calcium 53mg (5%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Kartoffelpuffer

Amount Per Serving

Calories 119 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 119kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 21g 7%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 4g 6%
Cholesterol 46mg 15%
Sodium 323mg 13%
Potassium 622mg 13%
Fiber 3g 12%
Vitamin A 70IU 1%
Vitamin C 17.2mg 19%
Calcium 53mg 5%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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4.9

274 reviews
Excellent

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